1/48 Shinden Machine Gun & Pitot Tube Installation Guide
By Dollfie — VOLKS USA, INC. | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to install the turned brass machine guns and pitot tube on your 1/48 Shinden model. Step-by-step instructions for clean, accurate detailing.
Quick Answer
Install the turned brass machine guns and pitot tube on your 1/48 Shinden after the main fuselage is assembled and primed. Use thin CA glue and a pin vise for clean drilling.
Why Turned Brass Parts Need Special Handling
The machine guns and pitot tube in this set are precision-turned brass, not injection-molded plastic. Brass is heavier and harder, so it requires different preparation: you must drill pilot holes carefully to avoid splitting the plastic, and you should not force the parts into place.
Because brass does not bond well with standard plastic cement, use thin cyanoacrylate (CA) glue for a secure hold. The metal parts also benefit from a light sanding with fine grit (600+) to improve paint adhesion.
Painting Before Installation vs. After
You can paint the brass parts separately before mounting them, which lets you mask the model more easily and avoid overspray on the fuselage. However, if you paint them off the model, you must handle the small parts carefully and may need to touch up the glue joint afterward.
Alternatively, install the bare brass parts first, then paint the entire assembly. This gives a seamless look but requires careful masking around the gun barrels and pitot tube. Choose based on your comfort with masking.
Installation Steps
- 1. Prepare the Mounting Holes: Mark the positions for the four machine guns and the pitot tube on the fuselage using the kit's panel lines or decal guide. Use a pin vise with a 0.5mm or 0.6mm drill bit to create pilot holes. Start slowly to prevent the bit from wandering. Common mistake: drilling too large a hole. The brass parts should fit snugly; a loose fit will require filler.
- 2. Test Fit the Parts: Dry-fit each machine gun and the pitot tube into its hole. If any part is too tight, gently widen the hole with the same drill bit. If too loose, apply a tiny drop of CA glue to the part's base and insert it, then let it cure fully before handling. Check orientation: the machine guns have a flat side that should align with the wing surface.
- 3. Apply CA Glue and Install: Apply a small amount of thin CA glue to the inside of the hole or to the base of the brass part. Insert the part and hold it steady for 10-15 seconds. Wipe away any excess glue immediately with a paper towel dampened with CA debonder or isopropyl alcohol. Avoid using accelerator spray on the brass—it can cause the glue to become brittle and leave white residue.
- 4. Clean and Prime for Painting: Once all parts are installed and the glue is fully cured (at least 30 minutes), lightly sand the brass with 600-grit sandpaper to remove any oxidation and give the primer a tooth. Wipe with a tack cloth, then apply primer. If you painted the parts separately, skip this step and touch up the glue joint. Brass will naturally oxidize over time; priming is essential to prevent tarnish from showing through the paint.
Product Details
- 1/48 Shinden Machine Gun and Pitot Tube Set: Scale: 1/48. Material: Turned Brass. Included: Machine Guns x4, Pitot Tube x1. The turned brass material is denser than plastic, so you need a pin vise and thin CA glue for installation, not standard plastic cement.
1/48 Shinden Machine Gun and Pitot Tube Set
